Friday, October 17, 2014 10:00 am

GURDEON, Arkansas -- Georgia-Pacific said this week that it plans to invest $37 million at its Gurdon, Arkansas, lumber operations to expand the production capacity of the lumber mill by approximately 60% and position the facility for long-term success.

Improvements at the lumber mill include the installation of a new continuous dry kiln and a state-of-the-art planer mill, along with related infrastructure improvements. Project completion is expected by the third quarter of 2015, the company said.

"As the housing market continues a slow, but steady improvement, our plans to invest at Gurdon ensure our ability to meet the growing needs of our customers and become their lumber supplier of choice," said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager for Georgia-Pacific's lumber business. "This is an opportunity to broaden our product offerings, enhance quality and improve our cost competitiveness."

The company said it is also evaluating additional investments totaling approximately $20 million at the nearby Gurdon plywood mill that would increase the mill's efficiency and capacity, as well as further reduce air emissions.

About GP: Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, office papers, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals.